Paraguay Prepares to Receive Taiwan's President Lai in August Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Paraguay is preparing to host Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te in August. Paraguay is one of only 12 countries to maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and the only one in South America. The visit aims to showcase the potential for small countries to be major global players.

Paraguay is preparing to host Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te in August, marking a significant diplomatic and strategic milestone for the South American nation. This visit comes at a critical time as Paraguay remains one of only 12 countries globally and the sole one in South America to maintain formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan [1].

The visit aims to underscore Paraguay's commitment to democratic principles and its strategic partnership with Taiwan, which spans over six decades [2]. Paraguay's President Santiago Peña has emphasized the importance of this relationship, stating that it reflects Paraguay's sovereign foreign policy and commitment to democratic values [3].

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, who accompanied President Lai Ching-te on a recent visit to Paraguay, reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through technology sharing, training, and industrial modernization [2]. The visit also highlights Taiwan's ongoing support for Paraguay's agriculture, livestock sectors, public health, education, innovation, and infrastructure development [2].

The visit is part of a broader effort to showcase the potential for small countries to become major global players, as highlighted by President Peña [5]. This visit is particularly significant as several of Taiwan's traditional allies in Latin America and the Caribbean have shifted their diplomatic recognition to China in recent years [5].

The visit also underscores Paraguay's resolve to defend its diplomatic stance against potential Chinese pressure. In December 2024, Paraguay expelled a senior Chinese diplomat for allegedly interfering in domestic politics over the Taiwan issue, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining its diplomatic ties with Taiwan [3].

This visit is expected to further solidify the economic and strategic ties between Paraguay and Taiwan, offering opportunities for both nations to explore potential business collaborations and investments [2]. The visit is also an opportunity for Taiwan to highlight its global economic role and its commitment to democratic values, which are increasingly under threat from authoritarian regimes.

References:
[1] https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/taiwan-reports-increased-chinese-military-activity-around-its-territory-125071400070_1.html
[2] https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2025/07/14/2003840263
[3] https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3318209/paraguay-president-vows-defend-taiwan-ties-all-its-strength
[4] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/latest/Paraguay-to-host-Taiwan-s-Lai-in-August-50506110/
[5] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_S0N3RA059:0-paraguay-to-host-taiwan-s-lai-in-30-days/